Less is more when packing your makeup bag for a trip

You ‘have to be brutal,’ says M·A·C Cosmetics Senior Artist

It’s a given that air travel isn’t what it was. The days of free inflight meals and drinks, free checked luggage and free seat assignments have mostly gone the way of the dinosaurs.

Factor in the security measures that limit liquids and gels to 100 mL (4 oz.) in carry-on luggage and flying becomes more laborious — especially if you refuse to travel without your full beauty regimen.

Enter Grace Lee, Maybelline New York’s lead makeup artist, who says that even for day-to-day needs most women should condense their makeup bag. And she adds that paring down is the emerging trend and sees a greater demand for multi-purpose products, such as BB (beauty balm) creams that serve as a moisturizer, concealer, sunscreen and foundation, products that save time and money.

That means choosing items that will serve multiple uses like an eyeshadow pencil that can double as liner, or a bronzer that can work as shadow or blush.

Caitlin Callahan, M·A·C Cosmetics Senior Artist, was packing for a trip when she spoke to The Sun. You “have to be brutal” with your carry-on, says Callahan, who travels at least twice a month.

“You have to put it out in front of you and decide exactly what you need. Most companies will do a travel size for this exact reason,” says Callahan, who concurs with Lee about multi-purpose products.

“For makeup, look at something like a concealer pen that can be used as a foundation. Look at products that have versatility like a cream blush that can go on your cheeks and lips.”

Callahan checks her makeup kit with her luggage when travelling for business, but takes her skin care products in a carry-on bag. Most hotels provide high quality shampoos and conditioners, except for hair styling products, so she leaves hers at home.

Although many prestige or niche cosmetic brands produce travel sizes, both Lee and Callahan say that more readily available, well-made travel containers allow you to dispense your favourite formulations. Both M.A.C. and Sephora have travel kits for this purpose. And even provide the clear toiletry bags in which to store them.

Callahan finds that North American airport security has relaxed somewhat about the size of the plastic bags. She won’t guarantee it, of course, but her experience has been that as long as everything is in a clear plastic bag, they’ll likely let you through even if it’s bigger than the original size baggie.

“I haven’t been asked to use one of those bags for a while now,” Callahan says. “I find that if you have a clear bag with your toiletries and you bring it out yourself, that seems to be fine.”

Another way to lighten the carry-on load is by using travel hair styling tools. Most hotels do provide dryers, but the quality varies. Many manufacturers now produce flat irons and dryers for travel (Sephora, Babyliss at Chatters) that are just as powerful and effective as their larger counterparts.

New kid on the block, Vancouver’s Aria Beauty will release its powerful 1600-watt mini dryer this fall ($50, ariabeauty.com for retailers). The teeny-tiny beauty comes in different finishes to appeal to every fashionista, weighs almost nothing and dries hair quickly.

If you’re not dispensing your own hair styling products (difficult with mousses or aerosols), you’ll have to look beyond the drugstore travel aisle. It’s mostly the salon brands that offer travel versions and a higher price point too. But you get the product that performs as you expect. Osis makes a travel-sized dry shampoo ($23.50, Kaori Hair Design, kaorihair.com) that’s handy when time is a factor.

Fragrance makers have also ensured that you can pack your signature scent by producing rollerball editions of many perfumes. Though not always available at department store counters, Sephora stocks a large array of popular scents, like Viktor & Rolf Flowerbomb, in this format.

Lightening up for carry on is all about paring back. As Callahan quips, “Don’t bring the kitchen sink.”

“Keep to the basics,” Lee advises. “It’s a matter of condensing and planning ahead.”

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